Few surfers on tour are disappointed in a 2nd Place result, in fact, you could count that list on one hand. Joel Parkinson is one of those surfers, Taj Burrow is too. Both Joel and Taj were on fire throughout the Quiksilver Pro at Snappers, creating large heat scores with consistently progressive surfing. While Taj was tossing his tail all around the lineup and linking maneuvers together without losing speed, Joel was finding barrels behind the rocks and pushing rail surfing to new heights. Unfortunately, luck was not on their side at this event as Gabriel Medina was able to find last minute waves to oust them from their true goal - a 1st Place finish.

That said, Taj is stoked to start the year off with a Semifinal finish to get the campaign rolling for 2014 tour. And although Parko was frustrated about losing on his home turf, he too is stoked to start the year off on the right foot as he prepares to battle for his 2nd World Title.

Here's a little lookback at the final day of competition, which is always exciting when Taj and Joel are still in the draw.

The crowd followed every TB move, and with the way he was surfing - why wouldn't you? Photo: Duncan Macfarlane

Taj consistently worked every wave to the inside where he consistently made the most of the last section on offer. Photo: Duncan Macfarlane

Classic Taj tail whip. Photo: Duncan Macfarlane

Taj stops before his Semifinal heat to focus in on the task at hand...and the ridiculously fun waves at Snappers. Photo: Duncan Macfarlane

Joel's pre-heat routines are second to none. Photo: Duncan Macfarlane

Even though Taj was throwing turns like this through the Semi, luck was not on his side and he last by .02 points. Harsh to say the least. Photo: Duncan Macfarlane